"I wouldn't call it a budding romance," Carson responded with a
laugh. "He's a very intelligent young man. He reached out to me.
We had a conversation about substantive things. I was very
impressed with his knowledge of business."

The retired doctor went on to tout his own business record.

"Because, as many people don't know, I've got a very extensive
business background: 18 years on the Kellogg's board, 16 years on
Costco, and chairman of the board of a biotech company, as well
as starting a national nonprofit. And I was very impressed with
his knowledge of business principles," he continued.

Carson said he urged the hip-hop artist to create more
positive music for his fans.

"I talked to him about is there a way that maybe he could use his
influence — him and some of his buddies, Jay Z, etc. — to
create music that might be uplifting, particularly to young
women," he said.

Business Insider also asked Carson what it was like speaking
to West.

"I'm not sort of a star-struck person. It's just not who I
am. I feel that everybody is of equal value. And that's the way
my whole medical career was and my life is like that," Carson
replied. "But by the same token, I don't shun people because of
their notoriety or reputation either. "